|
Although we can't give every festival in the country the attention it deserves, following is a list of runner-up festivals that might not pack the punch of their larger cousins, but have everything you want in a river party and more.
Russell Fork River Rendezvous Held the last weekend in October each year, the Russell Fork River Rendezvous is perhaps the hippest festival going, largely because it features some of the best live music of any paddler gathering in the country. Its organizers--activists wishing to increase awareness of the river's fragile ecosystem--admit to encouraging "stream-of-consciousness" behavior by paddlers, musicians and other festivarians. Now in its fourth year, the only contested event is an expert kayak race through the Class IV-V Russell Fork Gorge. Everything else, from drum circles to hacky sack circles, is non- competitive. Be prepared to eat vegetarian and party in any number of Westfalias parked in the area. Info.: Brent Austin, (606) 278-2011.
Derby Creek Days Don't go to Derby Creek Days unless you want to hang out with the rodeo crowd. That's why everyone's here, and that's why the campsite in Burns, Colo., resembles a scene from Woodstock (the debutante, of course, rent foundationless cabins across the dirt road in Burns). This year's event, to be held July 25, marks the event's third anniversary, and once again gives competitors a chance to cartwheel in one of the best rodeo holes in Colorado. Instead of fund-raising, the event is strictly pagan fun-raising. Afterwards, hang out at Burns for a night of new-school debauchery, or head to State Bridge Lodge for live entertainment and cheap eats. Info.: Chris Emerick, (970) 736-0080.
Gore Canyon Race This event began in 1988 as a local get together some of the best paddlers in the state of Colorado. The last few races have seen a dramatic increase in competitors, sponsor interest and local exposure, with 1997's event filmed for television. This year's event (Aug. 22-23) marks the third time the Class V race will actually be legal, complete with a permit from the Bureau of Land Management. The event is also a fund-raiser for American Whitewater, and boasts perhaps the largest bonfire parties in the business (especially the night before the race). The 1998 event, a four-mile downriver race through churning Class V, will also serve as the Sotar Cup National Championships to determine who competes in the Camel International Whitewater Challenge in Costa Rica in September. Prizes are given for the best carnage, and camping and all other festivities take place at the Pumphouse campground, which also marks the section's take-out. Info.: Paul Tefft, (970) 923-3955.
Yampa River Festival Any festival that has an annual Crazy River Dog contest listed in its schedule of events is bound to draw a fun-loving crowd. So it is with the Yampa River Festival held each year in downtown Steamboat Springs, Colo. But timing dogs as they fetch sticks thrown into the river isn't the only zany event giving the festival its flavor. It also hosts a salmon slalom, forcing competitors to race upstream, a Dutch oven cook-off, a Rodeo whose location doesn't get decided until moments before showtime (thanks to the fickle nature of the last remaining free-flowing tributary to the Colorado), a bluegrass- picking, Yampa River Gumbo-eating party, and an anything-goes downriver race that draws everything from inner-tubers to marathon canoeists. The zanyness appears to be working. This year's event (June 12-14) marks the 14th annual running of the nutty Northwest Colorado event. Info.: (970) 879-6249.
Maupin Days Whitewater Festival The high desert canyons flanking the Deschutes River have long echoed the calls of Northwest paddlers: come hither, my friends, and surf to your heart's content. Whether you're rafting the Class III+ rapids upstream of Maupin, or blasting the waves of Surf City or Elevator, you'll want to be there for Maupin Days, an event founded by locals that celebrates the river's bounty through rodeo. With entry fees and raffle donations going towards American Whitewater and other river conservation organizations, this year's event, slated for May 9-10 and taking place at the infamous Trestle Hole, will once again be organized by local outfitter Dave Slover. Info.: (541) 395-2201. --Jeff Bennett
Bigfork Whitewater Festival (Swan River) Rising near the south end of Montana's Mission Range, the Swan River parallels the South Fork of the Flathead along Hwy 83. Just southeast of the town of Bigfork, the river chisels a 700-foot-deep notch in the surrounding mountains. The last mile of river before town, dubbed the Wild Mile, is what whitewater dreams are made of. The stretch descends 120 feet through raucous Class IV+ rapids, with only the backwaters of Flathead Lake slowing it down. A little over 10 years ago, locals decided to celebrate the section with a festival. Last year, more than 400 competitors entered its downriver and slalom events, and almost all of them camped at the take-out to take advantage of the Big Sky Country party. This year's event will be held May 16-17, and as usual, attendees will want to purchase a raffle ticket for goodies manufacturers throw into the pot. Info.: Derek Thompson, (406) 862-4926. --Jeff Bennett
Timberland Gorge Games The Timberland Gorge Games is perhaps the largest (and most commercial) of all festivals listed here, largely because its events extend well beyond whitewater. Now in its third year, the week-long festival, which last year drew 20,000 spectators and 850 competitors, hosts events in windsurfing, snowboarding, paragliding, kiteskiing, trail running, climbing, sailing and, of course, kayaking. Because of Hood River's location near some of the best padding in the Northwest, kayaking events, held on the White Salmon River, are some of the most popular. Events include a slalom, rodeo and a five-mile downriver extreme race on the river's Class V Green Truss section for those able to qualify. "It is a very physically and psychologically demanding race" says three-time World Cup Slalom Champion Scott Shipley, winner of last year's race. This year's festival will be held July 11-18, and as usual will feature parties every night with live bands (last year's headliners included the Cherry Poppin Daddies, Ben Harper, Little Feat and The Skatalites). And if you win a part of the event's $5,000 cash purse, you might not even have to camp at nearby Tucker Park. Info.: (541) 386-4286. -- John "Tree" Trujillo
|
|
Kananaskis Whitewater Rodeo Rolling through the big sky country west of Calgary, the Kananaskis River is a small volume Class II-III run that has long been popular with Canadian paddlers. Class II you say? Ah, yes, my narrow minded friends. But it offers enough play spots, boulder slaloms and chutes to turn this gentle, scenic river into a playful romp deserving of a fine whitewater festival. In the 2.5-mile section from Barrier Dam to Canoe Meadows, the Kananaskis takes on a variety of personalities, the most popular of which appear from Widowmaker through the Race Course. Hollywood Hole, as the name implies, provides a perfect stage for rodeo antics, allowing everything from blasting and sidesurfing to end-swapping. Skilled paddlers can spit off four points in a flash, settle down in the hole to regain their senses, then keep wheelin' till their heads freeze. And, if a bit of chill is any concern at all, it will be quickly cured downstream, for the big campout that takes place at Canoe Meadows provides a warm reception for locals and foreigners alike. The four- year-old event is usually held in late May (this year May 16-18), and offers rodeo, downriver and slalom events. If you're lucky, you might even win a prize for best swim, best river-bottom inspection or best costume. If you're real lucky, you just might win all three. Info.: Chris Wood, (403) 264-6363; Mark Taylor, (403) 266-1527. --Jeff Bennett
Ottawa River Rodeo The Ottawa River's rise in popularity on the rodeo circuit has been fast and furious. And its hold on paddlers will likely be as retentive as the hole ride at McCoy's rapid. The first Ottawa River Rodeo was held just six years ago. It caught the attention, however, of influential U.S. paddlers like Eric Jackson, Chris Spelius and Mark Lyle, who recognized the site as one of the best in the world. Word spread quickly and soon the world came to see for itself. Last year more than 300 paddlers from as far away as Zimbabwe, Japan and Norway came to the Ottawa to compete in the World Whitewater Rodeo Championships, up from 40 in 1993. Held on the 12-mile, Class III-IV Rocher Fendu section, this year's event will take place Aug. 29-30 and will once again offer K-1, C-1, OC-1 and Squirt classes for men, women, juniors, international, novice, expert and masters (over 35). As with past events, all proceeds go to the Ottawa River Conservation Fund. Look for a post-race party at the Lakeside Hotel, and if you bring a sleeping bag, free camping can be had for competitors at Equinox Adventures. Info.: Paul Sevcik, (416) 222-2223. --Andrew Ross
Valley Field Rodeo This brand-new festival takes place on a 600-meter, Class III man-made slalom and rodeo training site built by the city of Valley Field for local kayak manufacturer Riot to test new boats, and to create a training center for Canadian Olympic Slalom hopefuls and rodeo paddlers. Now in its second year, this event will be held July 18-19, with competitions in downriver, slalom, freestyle wave, rodeo and, of course, the ever-popular (at least among last year's 50 participants) anything-goes Chinese downhill. Look for a post-event party hosted Canada-style at the nearby Riot factory 20 feet from the river, and feel free to throw your sleeping bag down on the factory floor afterwards. Info.: (418) 667-0915. --Jeff Rivest |
|
Santa Cruz Kayak Surf Festival Steamer's Lane, with its big waves, half-mile rides, and a paddle-out channel, make this a "destination location" for all people who surf. With a classic wave, ample parking, and restroom facilities complete with outside showers, the site is a perfect venue for surf contests. So perfect, in fact, that this year will mark the 13th gathering for the Santa Cruz Kayak Surf Festival. Now with vender booths and demo sites, the contest has taken on more of a "festival flavor" than ever before. The procurement of a Safety Patrol to keep boardsurfers at bay has eliminated the worry about fighting for waves, and the talent pool has increased due to new competitors from the East Coast, England, Costa Rica and Canada. In the last few years, the festival has seen two more improvements which have greatly helped its operation: 1) the American Canoe Association opened its wings to officially sanction kayak surf contests, providing insurance for all sanctioned contests and organization for the U.S. Kayak Surf Association; and 2) the procurement of paid judges to ensure consistent scoring. This year's event will be held March 20-22, with silent auction funds donated to Save Our Shores and the Surfrider Foundation. Camping is available at New Brighton Beach State Campgrounds ($14 sites, first-come first-served, (408) 464-6330), and, as usual, make sure to hit the opening ceremony party at Adventure Sports for everything from hot seafood stew to stewing in a hot tub. There is also a great dinner, silent auction and dance at the VFW hall on Saturday night. Info.: Adventure Sports, (408) 458-3648. --Dick Wold |
Everyone knows that, off the river, paddlers love to party. But few know they
often do so in the name of river conservation, access and fund-raising. Each
year across the country, paddlers get together at their favorite runs to do
just that--combine prime-season paddling and partying with philanthropy. And
after years of attending such post-paddle celebrations, we've come up with the
following list of places where you can join them in their celebration.
So in case you were wondering how to spend your summer, check out some of our
nation's top whitewater festivals. After all, if you're going to paddle great
rivers, you might as well go where the action is. Besides, you might get some
free drinks and eats out of the deal, win a prize or two, and even find
someone to drive shuttle (just put your name on all your paddling gear). With
that in mind, here's our list from East to West. Hope to see you out there.
| Gauley River Festival Summersville, West Virginia |
In 1985, after a full day's rafting on the Gauley River, several folks got together, found a comfortable spot in a field, and swapped stories about death-defying experiences around a crackling bonfire. The Gauley River Fest was born! American Whitewater now organizes the event, providing volunteers that do everything from run ticket gates to setting up vendor spaces and getting things running smoothly for when the crowds descend on the party. And what a party it is! The festival officially begins at 5 p.m. on the Nicholas County Veterans Memorial Park in Summersville. Close to 3,000 people come to this evening-long festival for everything from food and live music to games and fantastic end-of-the-season bargains. Just about every outfitter around is here with demo merchandise, new and used equipment, and overstocks. And if you think that's exciting, just wait till you run the Gauley!
Festival Facts
Festival Date: Sept. 26, 1998
Years Running: 13
Competitions: Downriver race
River Description: The classic big-water run in the East. There are over 100
rapids in 26 miles, and about 10 are Class IV-V. Normal levels are 2,000 to
2,800 cfs; 3,500 is medium-high.
Fund Raising: Sponsors donate items to be auctioned, which are displayed at
the "silent auction tent" where people place their bids, trying to get the
most for the least amount of money. Money goes to river conservation.
Best Post-paddle Eatery: Sedona Grill
Best Post-paddle Party: The Gauley Festival blockparty, complete with live
tunes.
Best Playspot: They're all over. For starters, check out Hungry Mother after
Pillow Rock.
Best Camping Area: Mountain Lake Campground
Best Awards/Prizes: Distinguished Friends of Whitewater Award
Most Unique Event: Dunking Booth
Average attendance: 3,000
Contact person and phone: Phyllis Horowitz, (914) 586-2355
--Clayton Spangler
| Cheat River Festival and Race Albright, West Virginia |
Both years I have been to the Cheat River Festival it has rained enough to make the free-flowing runs in the area plenty high for excellent paddling. Oh yeah, the festival itself is a blast, too. Vendors such as Dagger, Orosi, Starrk Moon and more fill the paddling niche while food and various trinket vendors make it enjoyable for those who don't paddle. There is a kids' area for the youngsters and musical entertainment while you browse the vendors and check out the silent auction or raptor center (complete with hawks, eagles and falcons). As the night progresses the festival turns from a family type atmosphere to a serious paddler-style party. Buckle up after 11 p.m.! The 12 acres where the festival is held has been purchased by Friends of the Cheat and will be improved for 1999. This means that 1998 will be the last year to catch Johnny Reagan (local Prijon rep) on top of a big farm tractor shouting instructions as they pull cars out of the mud. Don't worry about the mud though, there's plenty of good parking unless you're a vendor.
Festival Facts
Festival Date: May 1-2, 1998
Years Running: 1998 will be the fourth year.
Competitions: Downriver mass start race.
River Description: Cheat Canyon: Class III-IV (IV-V above four feet), 11
miles; Cheat Narrows: Class III (IV above four feet), four miles; Big Sandy
River: Class III-V (likely to run if it rains), five miles.
Fund Raising: All money raised goes to Friends of the Cheat and the West
Virginia River Coalition to restore the Cheat river and its tributaries from
acid mine drainage and other pollution.
Best Post-paddle Eatery: Little Sandy's Restaurant
Best Post-paddle Party: Cheat River Festival Party
Best Playspot: Playspots around the Cheat Canyon, Narrows and Big Sandy vary
depending upon river levels. Best spot is Big Nasty and the hole just below in
the Canyon, at two to four feet.
Best Camping Area: All around the festival site for a small fee.
Best Awards/Prizes: Raffle and door prizes along with a silent auction.
Most Unique Event: Mud partying.
Average attendance: 1,500 people even though it dumps rain all night.
Contact person and phone: Dave Bassage (Friends of the Cheat), (304) 397-3141
--Jimmy Blakeney
| Ocoee Whitewater Rodeo and River Days Ducktown, Tennessee |
The Ocoee Rodeo is an event with something for everyone--a whitewater rodeo, a festival with booths and music, a party in the evening with music, dinner and dancing-all as a way to help raise money for river conservation. It's a great time of year to come to the Ocoee to boat, enjoy the fall colors and be at one of the largest rodeos in the country. Water is released on the Ocoee for the entire week prior to the event; this is the only week all year with scheduled water everyday. Hell Hole provides competitors with an excellent surfing wave above an amazing play hole. This year's Ocoee Rodeo may be the first event where competitor's rides are performed to live music. If this plan is successful the Ocoee Rodeo could become the biggest whitewater event in the country, with the Olympic Whitewater Center to facilitate the growth. The local chamber of commerce organizes a festival, Ocoee River Days, that takes place at the Whitewater Center during the Rodeo, drawing people to the site and making sure there is something for everyone.
Festival Facts
Festival Date: Oct. 9-11, 1998
Years Running: Twelve years.
Competitions: Rodeo classes for kayaks, C-1s, Squirt boats and OC-1; Expert,
Advanced and Intermediate levels. Freestyle Through a Rapid event for Expert
only. Also Man of Rubber Raft Race and Head-to-Head Wildwater Sprint.
River Description: Known as one of the best play rivers on the East Coast, the
Middle Ocoee runs from TVA Ocoee Dam #2 to Powerhouse #2, Class III+. The
Upper Ocoee, site of the 1996 Olympic Games, is a short three-mile run which
includes the section of river that was altered for the Games, and provides a
great rapid for racers and playboaters.
Fund Raising: Proceeds go to American Whitewater.
Best Post-paddle Eatery: For burgers, try Wildwater.
Best Post-paddle Party: Rodeo party at OAR; come party all night on the banks
of the lower Ocoee with live music and food.
Best Playspot: Hell Hole, Slice & Dice, Flipper, Slam Dunk, and the new
playhole on the Upper Ocoee.
Best Camping Area: Chiliahwee campground for beauty; Thunder Rock campground
for convenience.
Best Awards/Prizes: White Tree Pottery Mugs.
Most Unique Event: Man of Rubber Raft Race and Freestyle Through a Rapid.
Average attendance: 180 competitors, 1,000 spectators.
Contact person and phone: Jayne Abbott, (704) 645-5299
--Susan Wilson
| Potomac Whitewater Festival and Great Falls Race Great Falls, Virginia |
The Potomac Whitewater Festival is a two-day event which includes surface freestyle rodeo, squirt boat events, downriver races, attainment (upriver) races, and the infamous Great Falls Race. This is a great event for spectators as the cliffs overlooking the events allow a great view. Sponsors are showcased at a party Saturday night where a silent auction, banquet and gear raffle are held. New this year will be live entertainment. The event is part of the NOWR (National Organization of Whitewater Rodeos) circuit and competitors earn points toward their total NOWR combined score. Great river, great scene, Great Falls.
Festival Facts
Festival Date: May 30-31, 1998. Get there early since the park fills up
quickly on weekends.
Years Running: Ten years.
Competitions: Downriver sprint, Attainment Race, Great Falls Race, Squirt boat
and Freestyle Rodeos. All classes and levels from intermediate to expert.
River Description: The event is held between Great Falls, Va., to
approximately a half-mile downstream. It's Class IV-VI but the Falls are
easily avoided. This is big water.
Fund Raising: Proceeds go to cover costs and to American Whitewater and other
groups dedicated to whitewater conservation and river access in the Potomac
Watershed.
Best Post-paddle Eatery: The Old Brogue Irish Pub in Great Falls, Va., with
Guinness and Bass on tap, (703) 759-3309.
Best Post-paddle Party: The Festival Awards Banquet/Silent Auction/Raffle at
Clara Barton Recreation Center, Cabin John, Md. Beverages provided.
Best Playspot: Varies with water level. The waterfalls can be fun, and so can
several multi-boat surfing waves and playholes.
Best Camping Area: Lake Fairfax Park, Reston, Va., (703) 471-5415.
Best Awards/Prizes: Handmade ceramic trophy mugs.
Most Unique Event: The Great Falls Race-a dash over vertical drops totaling 65
feet in less than one-tenth of a mile.
Average attendance: 200-300 boaters and spectators.
Contact person and phone: Contact NOWR organizers at (703) 742-8742.
--Ricky Rodriguez
| Animas River Days Durango, Colorado |
Animas River Days is Colorado's premier whitewater festival with rodeo, slalom and downriver events. The three-day festival features a whitewater rodeo on the Animas near downtown Durango either in the infamous Santa Rita Hole or in Smelter Rapid in Whitewater Park, which changed in 1997 to form a perfect, deep retendo hole that can also be radically surfed. Both sites are a three-minute bike ride into the heart of downtown with many fine eating establishments and shops. The slalom event in Whitewater Park is held on one of the best permanent slalom courses in the country. This established site makes setting a course very quick and easy, allowing for year-round training on an endless variety of full-length courses. The downriver event is for a variety of boats and skill levels: kayaks, canoes, rafts, and others on a Class II-III, three-mile stretch of the Animas. Boat demos and clinics go on throughout the weekend, as well as barbecues and Ska Microbrew parties.
Festival Facts
Festival Date: June 26-28, 1998
Years Running: 16
Competitions: Rodeo, Slalom and Downriver competitions.
River Description: Animas River, near Durango, Colo., Class II-III. Accessible
at many parks in and near Durango. The Animas River through Durango is a
paddler's paradise!
Fund Raising: Live and silent auction at the event.
Best Post-paddle Eatery: Carver's Bakery & Brewery, Lady Falconburgh's Barley
Exchange, Mama Boy's Restaurant.
Best Post-paddle Party: At the Ska Brew Factory.
Best Playspot: Santa Rita Hole at 2,800 cfs or more for some
big-water hole playing; or Smelter Rapid in Whitewater Park for some dizzying
cartwheels and super fast surf.
Best Camping Area: Junction Creek Campground-North on Hwy. 550 in Durango,
left at 25th Street, continue and 25th will change to Junction Creek Road, go
about five miles to campground on the left.
Best Awards/Prizes: Animas River Days Ceramic Mugs to the top three places in
each class.
Most Unique Event: The Working Class. Must have a nine-to-five office job to
enter this class. Also a Sotar Cup Raft Race and a river dog fetching contest.
Average attendance: 800-2,000 people from the U.S., New Zealand, Costa Rica,
Germany and other countries around the world.
Contact person and phone: Four Corners River Sports, (970) 259-3893
--Nancy Wiley
| FIBArk/Headwaters Championships Salida, Colorado |
This year marks the 50th anniversary of FIBArk (First in Boating on the Arkansas)-the oldest whitewater festival in the country. FIBArk was born out of a challenge made in 1948 to see who could be the fastest to boat from Salida to Canon City, a race of over 50 miles through Class III to V whitewater, a race that would be daunting even today. After three years the test was shortened to about 26 miles eliminating the treacherous Royal Gorge section. In 1953 Eric Seidel brought slalom racing to the U.S. at FIBArk. In 1994 freestyle paddling was included. Over the past 50 years FIBArk has developed from a challenge between a few daredevils, to a community and whitewater-world institution drawing around 5,000 boaters, spectators and fun- loving folk of every description. The events surrounding the festival have also grown, including live music, a carnival, running races, raft races, the infamous Hooligan race (anything that floats that is not a boat) and the biggest parade of the year in Salida on Saturday morning. "FIBArk-the oldest and the boldest."
Festival Facts
Festival Date: June 18-21, 1998
Years Running: 50th anniversary in 1998!
Competitions: Freestyle, Slalom, Downriver (26 mile and sprints), Hooligan
(anything that floats that isn't a boat), Tenderfoot Mountain Running Race,
SOTAR Cup.
River Description: Arkansas River. Slalom and freestyle at Salida boat ramp,
Class II; Downriver, Salida to Cotapaxi, Class III-IV, 26 miles.
Fund Raising: Headwaters Championships is an NOWR event that last year raised
money to support the Colorado Whitewater Association in river access projects,
American Whitewater in river conservation efforts, and FIBArk to improve the
local river corridor.
Best Post-paddle Eatery: Vendors in the park, or Il Vicino if you can get in
(pizza and the best microbrewery in the state).
Best Post-paddle Party: Hang out in the park, then head to the Vic.
Best Playspot: The playhole at the Salida boat ramp; Ender Rock in the Numbers
(Class IV); Browns Canyon (Class III); the Royal Gorge (Class IV); or Parkdale
(Class III).
Best Camping Area: Just south of town (ever since they quit letting paddlers
camp on the boat ramp).
Best Awards/Prizes: They're all good, and with tons of events and categories,
you should be able to get one--even if you don't want it.
Most Unique Event: Hooligan Race on Friday night.
Average attendance: 5,000 plus.
Contact person and phone: P.T. Wood, (719) 539-3174
--P. T. Wood
| Payette Whitewater Roundup Boise, Idaho |
One of the oldest festivals around, the Payette Whitewater Roundup is a must- hit for paddlers looking for a great time and some classic Idaho whitewater. An inflatable bladder to create the "perfect" wave controls the phenomenal rodeo spot at the Gutter, and the slalom course is designed by Gold Medal Olympian Joe Jacobi. Besides the freestyle and slalom competitions, there is a Cascade Kayak Sit-On-Top race, a Maravia Raft Downriver Challenge and an Aire River-Rescue Rodeo. The Junior crowd even has its own freestyle competition. The festival takes the vast local whitewater resources and puts together one fantastic event with something for everyone.
Festival Facts
Festival Date: July 10-12
Years Running: 18 years
Competitions: Freestyle; Junior freestyle; Slalom; Wildwater; Downriver kayak;
Cascade Kayak Sit-on-Top; Maravia Raft Downriver Challenge; Aire/Intermountain
Orthopedics River-Rescue Rodeo.
River Description: Freestyle-the Gutter in Horseshoe Bend, Class III. Slalom-
Otter Slide on the North Fork of the Payette (off the highway, two miles north
of Banks), Class II-III.
Fund Raising: Idaho Rivers United
Best Post-paddle Eatery: For casual to fancy hit Danskin Station; for burgers
and fries check out the Bank's Café.
Best Post-paddle Party: Saturday night at the RIO (Cascade River Center).
Barbecue, live band, dancing, silent auction and boat raffle.
Best Playspot: Take your pick-the Gutter, Main Playwave, or the South Fork
Surf Wave.
Best Camping Area: Otter Slide. It's free festival-weekend to all boaters.
Best Awards/Prizes: The coveted hand-thrown Payette Whitewater Roundup mug.
You cannot buy this mug at any price, you must win it. Prize corral at the
awards ceremony, everyone goes home with something.
Most Unique Event: Junior Freestyle Competition.
Average attendance: 170 boaters, 250 spectators.
Contact person and phone: Ted Ryan, (208) 344-2567
--Debbi Long
| American River Festival Placerville, California |
The river gods smile upon us. The sun drenches us in September and the utilities cooperate. Things start on Saturday at Chili Bar. Registration gets going early; the Wildwater Race usually takes off at 9 or 10 a.m., with takeout just above Troublemaker Rapid and shuttles ready for kayakers who have to be back upstream for the rodeo. The rodeo starts at noon. When the day's exertions wrap up, we move upstream a few hundred yards to the Nugget Campground, where we have our annual party/dinner/auction bash. There's always one if not two local bands playing, and Rubicon Brewing Company always provides a few kegs. The next morning the Class II Slalom Race starts early at the Nugget, and runs through most of the day. Around midmorning the Raft Race- a short but demanding slalom-and-task kind of course-starts at the Nugget and winds up at Chili Bar, so it's possible to do both if you're so inclined. It's a grand old event on a beautiful stretch of river!
Festival Facts
Festival Date: September 12-13, 1998
Years Running: 17
Competitions: Rodeo, Downriver Race, Raft Race and Slalom Race.
River Description: The slalom course is Class II and starts below Chili Bar
Dam; Wildwater race is Class II to III from Chili Bar to Trouble Maker, nine
miles; Rodeo is at Chili Bar, right at the put-in.
Fund Raising: Money goes to the American River Conservancy, which has
protected over 1,400 acres of South Fork habitat and owns and manages a
conservation easement (the first-ever recorded in El Dorado County) which
guarantees river access at Chili Bar in perpetuity.
Best Post-paddle Eatery: Marco's Café in Lotus.
Best Post-paddle Party: Post race party at the Nugget Campground.
Best Playspot: Barking Dog, if the flow is over 1,200 cfs.
Best Camping Area: Camping is available at the Nugget Campground for
participants and their families for a nominal fee.
Best Awards/Prizes: Organic cotton T-shirts. Raffle and silent and live
auctions.
Most Unique Event: Nothing too unique, just everything you would expect from a
classic river festival.
Average attendance: Over 400 people.
Contact person and phone: American River Conservancy, (530) 621-1224
--Larry Goral
| Kern River Festival Kernville, California |
The Kern River Festival is a classic--and, with its laid-back Southern California charm, it's perhaps one of the best ways to start off your spring paddling season. The event takes place downtown in Kernville's municipal park, and campsites abound where you can hang out by the river, swap lies from the previous season and shot the breeze with hundreds of like-minded paddlers. It is the first whitewater festival of the year in the West and is the oldest and largest whitewater festival west of the Rockies (started in 1964 by legendary boater Tom Johnson). Great boating exists all over the place, including most sections of the Kern (Upper, Forks and Lower) and such tributaries as Brush and Dry Meadow creeks. Kernville has unusually warm springtime weather and this brings out the best in all of its fun-loving attendees. (More information is available from the Sierra South web page at www.sierrasouth.com.)
Festival Facts
Festival Date: April 17-19, 1998
Years Running: 34
Competitions: Citizens TJ Classic Slalom, Whitewater Rodeo and Downriver
Races. Also NOWR 1st Tier Pro Rodeo. Also the whitewater slalom western
regional qualifier for the U.S. National Team.
River Description: Forks of the Kern, Class IV-V; Upper Kern, four runs, Class
III-V; Kern near Kernville, five runs, Class II-IV.
Fund Raising: Auction on Saturday night for the Kern River Alliance, the local
boater's group involved with junior kayak development, river conservation and
local dam relicensing.
Best Post-paddle Eatery: Cheryl's Diner for breakfast; then Pizza Barn, That's
Italian and McNally's for dinner.
Best Post-paddle Party: Anywhere Team Wave Sport is hanging out. There's also
a pre-event barbecue party Thursday night at the River View Lodge in
Kernville.
Best Playspot: Hospital Flat, Salmon Creek, Riverside Park (best place to show
off).
Best Camping Area: 15 miles of riverside campgrounds above Kernville, or
anywhere Team Wave Sport is camping.
Best Awards/Prizes: General auction bootie, as well as several Wave Sport
kayaks donated to the Kern River Alliance youth program.
Most Unique Event: Listening to stories about Dry Meadow Creek.
Average attendance: Over 200 paddlers from around the world.
Contact person and phone: Linda Ivins, (805) 871-6790; Sierra South, (805)
872-4424.
--Tom Moore
| Upper Clackamas Whitewater Festival Estacada, Oregon |
The Upper Clackamas Whitewater Festival is the sweetheart of all inflatable events. In fact, it is one of the only all-inflatable events in the country. Less than an hour from the sprawling burbs of Portland, Oregon, the Clackamas River has long been a favorite haunt for Northwest paddlers. The Clackamas carves a deep, V-shaped canyon that sucks in boaters with promises of crystalline pools, swift currents and churning whitewater. From the plunging cascades of the North Fork Clackamas to the churning shoulders of Bob's Hole (now back in full force after a brief disappearance due to flooding), the Clack has a bit of everything. Smack dab in the heart of the Upper Clack lies Carter's Falls, a four-foot-high, riverwide lava bench backed by a carnivorous hole. In the two-mile section framing Carter's, pushy Class III drops create big waves, narrow chutes, and challenging currents. It is in this section that rafters and inflatable kayakers meet each May to test their mettle against gates, holes and fellow river runners. Organized by the Northwest Rafters Association, it combines the feeling of a good old-fashioned river rendezvous with the well-organized aura of serious competition. It is a place where first-timers rub shoulders with veterans of international competitions, and Dutch oven aficionados claim as much of the spotlight as top paddling teams.
Festival Facts
Festival Date: the weekend before Memorial Day.
Years Running: 10 years
Competitions: This is a rafting and inflatable kayaking competition, with over
a dozen downriver and slalom events.
River Description: The Upper Clackamas contains intermittent Class III+
rapids, a moderate gradient, and enchanting roadside scenery.
Fund Raising: Money for river conservation comes from entry fees and raffle
tickets.
Best Post-paddle Eatery: Stick around for some Dutch oven food from cook-off
competitors, and plunk down a few bucks on a burger from the vendors.
Best Post-paddle Party: There's a band and a slide show every year.
Best Playspot: Miss a stroke, turn sideways and flip in Carter's, or grab your
hardshell and head downstream to Bob's Hole.
Best Camping Area: There's camping all over the place, but the campgrounds
around Carter's Bridge are the pick of the litter.
Best Awards/Prizes: The SOTAR Cup has generally been the brass ring, but
there's something for every category.
Most Unique Event: The SOTAR Cup is a grueling, long distance Downriver race
that leaves competitors drained... before they even start competing in the
standard events!
Average attendance: Folks flock here by the hundreds!
Contact person and phone: Angie Evans, (503) 665-6492.
--Jeff Bennett